Gender Issues

For all the previous prophecies of doom, today’s reading in Jeremiah brings a lot of comfort. If ever Israel doubted God’s love for them, this passage today should eliminate those doubts. God makes it quite clear His intentions to restore Israel to freedom and abundance in every area. Although punishment and discipline are indeed in order, God’s character of mercy and love shine through. Comforting.

1 Timothy offers some good direction not only for Timothy (Paul's young companion and fellow worker) but for us as well. 2.1: "I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them." There is simply not enough time or space to record all that is going through my mind about praying for people. I believe in it!

Also, I want to address the subject of women started up in verse 9 of chapter 2. I think a highlight of this little discourse should be verse 10: "For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do." I don't think Paul is saying we need more ugly women... I think he is simply directing the female's priority to matters of the heart above matters of physical appearance. And, in subsequent verses, Paul speaks on the topic of submission... (let me start another paragraph)

Every human soul is equal in God's sight; man, woman, boy, or girl. I don't think God has any preference for male or female (however, it may be argued that God favors women due to the fact that he made man first as a trial and then created the woman as a more refined model!). Too many people get hung up over this gender topic however, their reasons are legitimate. Ancient history attests to the fact that the female gender was indeed considered the lesser gender from the earliest of times. Quite frankly, it was Jesus Christ's work in establishing the New Testament church that actually began the process of raising women up to their proper esteem. We must understand that a social issue like this takes time to work itself out though. The modern efforts of organizations like N.O.W. may be applauded for further rescuing women from their subservient position. HOWEVER, if God has indeed established some kind of 'order' for humanity we must be attentive to what it is (even N.O.W. is not above God's order, right?)!

It really isn't a matter of who's the boss as much as it is a matter of the genders working together, each fulfilling their respective roles with their God-given gender-specific abilities. Why does it have to be such a fuss? Oh yeah, it's because people are unruly, undisciplined, rebellious, and generally too proud. Men don't look out for their ladies - ladies obviously don't respond when there is nothing to respond to. Hmm.

Having said all this...Paul sure makes a bold statement in 2.14 (as if 10-13 weren't enough already). We should factor in 'culture' as we read this passage, but we should also seek diligently to understand what it implies to BOTH sexes. Men, there is something to think about!

God help us. Help us see beyond gender. Help us see each other through You eyes.